Life with braces - you will survive!

I just got my braces. Now what? The first few weeks are an adjustment. You will survive! The best thing you can do is follow the instructions given by Dr. Baird and his team. Here is the lowdown...

DO:

Do brush morning and night and after meals anytime possible. Get the teeth clean! Brush on top of the brackets, under the wire, and gently brush the gums. Don’t forget the parts of the teeth that don’t have braces. If you can’t brush after a meal or snack, swish with water. Let the shower blast your teeth or use a waterpik if available. Sugarless gum does not take the place of brushing, but it can help get rid of some plaque as well!

Do floss daily. Platypus flossers can be found on Amazon.com.

Do limit sugar intake, especially soda and sports drinks.

Do eat healthy foods.

Do be careful biting and chewing.

Do for sure wear elastics as instructed. (usually 24 hours per day)

Visit your dentist every 6 months!

DON’T:

Don’t break brackets. Some foods are hard on braces- think hard and sticky. Here a few foods with bad reputations: Carmel, Now and Laters, tootsie rolls, bagels, beef jerky, nuts, popcorn. Cut apples and carrots and eat them in the back. I’m not going to name every possible thing that can break a brace, just be careful and use good judgement.

Don’t forget to do all the things in the DO list.

What do I do if something happens after hours?

Broken bracketThe bracket will usually stay connected to the wire, just leave it there and call for an appointment to put it back on. Please call ahead rather than waiting for your regular appointment so we can schedule the proper amount of time.

Poking wireCover with wax. If wax doesn’t work try a cotton ball, a piece of fabric, or anything you can think of to protect the cheek, even a chewed piece of sugarless gum. Call for an appointment to get it fixed.

Loose expander or other appliance with bandsUsually they will be loose on one side only. Push the loose part back into place and call for a recementing appointment. If both sides are loose, go ahead and take it out. If eating is inhibited call the emergency number.

Call if you can’t work out a problem on a temporary basis. An alternate number will be provided on the West Jordan voicemail if Dr. Baird is out of town.